Great post and blog

http://www.thisisgoingtobebig.com/2009/03/good-ideabad-idea-from-reid-hoffman.html

Obama and the economy

My current search is still on going. Have been doing some research into a possible H1B sponsorship but these seem so hard especially with the current cap on the amount allowed. With the current economic climate i am unsure of how important Immigration is to Obama, but maybe it should be a part of his solution. How many illegals do you think are out there not paying taxes.. how many great minds could come into the US and create more jobs.. how much foreign money do you think is out there to be invested into this economy. For once i say listen to Donald Trump.

E2 or EB5

After searching around blogs such as britishexpats it seems my newest idea of opening a B&B really doesnt seem feasible because of the lack of employees. The EB5 has just come to my attention but it is possibly changing in September and is so confusing to me. Oh well my search will continue..

F2 Visa Changed Approved

Just received in the mail my approval to change nonimmigrant status. It says it is valid for duration of status and came with an I94. Even though i officially graduated in May this year they still agreed to change my visa from the G1. Waiting to hear back from my school counselor to see what the next step is. At least i was approved and not rejected. First step.

Business Suggestions

I have begun my business search and have really hit some road blocks. Is there anyone out there who can really suggest a nice small business that would meet the E2 requirements? Would anything really be ok? I know I have to rule out franchises but I think thats really it? Should I buy or start my own.. so many choices to come

E2 Visa Update

As my current job ends in October I have begun to look at my future E2 options. Still wondering if any political change in the White House will effect my future here in the US. we can always hope right. Been searching around the internet looking into what business’s to buy. Havent really found anything i like so far for the 100,000 mark. Seems to little amount of money for what im really wanting to do. I really want to invest in real estate at this time but the wouldnt give me that visa a really need, sucks

Sorry for not updating

Sorry haven’t been updating recently just been going through a lot with graduation and all but there have been some changes. I finally applied for my F1 Visa, had to pay one 300 fee and then another 100 fee so it was pricey. Mailed it off about a week ago and even though i know i am done with college and i am still hoping to get my 1 year OPT with it. Im just crossing my fingers and hoping it all works out. I managed to get all the forms from my international student center at Fordham and everyone was very helpful which was surprising.

New Changes to F1

New Optional Practical Training (OPT) Rules for F-1 Students updated to reflect the interim final rule that was published on April 8, 2008.

On April 3, 2008, The Department of Homeland Security announced the publication of an Interim Final Rule that makes significant changes to Post-Completion Optional Practical Training for F-1 students.

This rule took effect upon publication of the rule in the U.S. Government’s Federal Register of April 8, 2008.

Highlights of the New Rule:

• The current 12-month limit on OPT will be extended by 17 months, for a total of 29 months for certain STEM degree holders ( S cience, T echnology, E ngineering & M athematics) ONLY And E-Verify participating employers
• The H-1B “Cap Gap” is eliminated by extending OPT employment and status for those who are beneficiaries of an H-1B petition with an October 1 start date (available to ALL OPT participants)
• The filing deadline for initial OPT applications is changed  (applies to all OPT participants). Under the new rule, a student will be able to file the OPT application up to 90 days before the degree completion date, and up to 60 days after the degree completion date.
• There are new reporting requirements for students and employers (applies to all OPT participants)
• Post-Completion OPT will now be dependent on employment.  Only limited periods of unemployment will be permitted (applies to all OPT participants)

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Loss of I94

Haven’t posted for a while because I was away in Miami.. anyway just wanted to post a side note and see if anyone had any suggestions.. lost my I 94.. the little departure form in my passport.. contacted the Mission and they said it would cost $320 to replace!!! how can this be?? Most of the time when I leave the country they don’t even collect it.. do you think I will have problems leaving the country?? I might just take a quick trip up to Canada and see how it goes…

E2 Visa Cont

After meeting with my new Immigration lawyer, didn’t really like my last one it seemed like a very good option. He suggested around a 100,000 investment in a business and a million if I wanted a straight green card. As the million dollar option doesn’t seem to be possible the E2 could work. He said the E2 takes about 4 months to go through and I even have to go for an interview, not to mention he suggests I start purchasing items for the business before I even file for it. How can this make sense? I will be going into business with an owner of 2 very successful Italian Restaurants in NYC to open up a chain of Pizzerias. He is currently working on the business plan but he believes it is possible to open up the first one for the 100,000 price tag. Even though this is a big risk I have always been interested in being an entrepreneur, does anyone know any information on obtaining a Liquor license for a someone in my situation, just encase I decide to move into other areas.